Five Grill Safety Mistakes to Avoid

Balance fun with safety when grilling

Napkin bibs and finger foods slathered in sauce -- a backyard barbecue is not the most formal affair. But even with the relaxed mood, problems can flare up. From Consumer Reports, here are five dangerous mistakes to avoid when you fire up the grill this season.

Overcrowding the cooking area

Some flaring is normal when grilling fatty foods, but sustained flare-ups are another matter. Typically, the greater the distance between the grates and burners or flavorizer bars, the fewer the sustained flare-ups. And don't overcrowd the cooking surface on your grill. Keep some space empty so that when fatty foods such as rib-eye steaks or salmon do flare up, you can move them to a cooler spot on the grill.

Undercooking meat and poultry

Food poisoning guarantees that your guests will call after the party, but it won't be to thank you. Grilling meats and poultry can be tricky since they often brown quickly on the outside. Use a meat thermometer to ensure that food is cooked to an internal temperature that destroys any harmful bacteria. The U.S. Department of Agriculture recommends a minimum internal temperature of 145 degrees F for whole meats, including pork, and then a three-minute rest before slicing. Ground meats should reach at least 160 degrees F, and all poultry should reach 165 degrees F or higher. Finfish should be cooked until it reaches a minimum of 145 degrees F or until flesh is opaque and separates easily with a fork. Never partially grill these foods with the intent of finishing the cooking later.

Cutting corners on maintenance

Skip the safety check and maintenance on your barbecue grill, and you could be playing with fire. At the start of grilling season, inspect the hoses for cracking, brittleness, holes and leaks, and replace the broken grill parts if necessary. Check for gas leaks by mixing a small amount of dishwashing liquid and water in a spray bottle. Spray the solution over connections and along the hose, then turn on the tank. Bubbling means you need to change a part or fix a loose connection on your barbecue grill. Follow the directions in the owner's manual and regularly clean the grill, especially the grease trap, and make sure the gas supply tubes are clear of spider nests and debris.

Ignoring recalls

Cooking with a defective grill—a leaking regulator, a cracked hose—increases your chance of something going wrong. More than one million grills have been recalled over the past five years. Before firing up for the season, find out if your barbecue grill has been recalled by searching the database at SaferProducts.gov. You can also file a report if your grill is faulty.

Assembling the grill incorrectly

If your gas barbecue’s gas tank hose is too close to the firebox or the grease pan is a bit off, fire risk increases. Carefully read the manual before assembling your outdoor grill, or ask if the retailer will assemble the grill for free or a fee. Also be sure the assembled grill can fit in your vehicle, or check the cost of delivery.